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Let me begin this article by saying that I’ve been a gamer since gaming began, so I can ensure I know what I’m talking about. I was ranked in the top 50 for Counter-Strike on The CLQ for over a year (back in the day) and I managed an internet cafe when I was a young buck, which allowed me to game and research marketing trends on a regular basis. After college I got back into gaming and have been playing Call of Duty in the multiplayer mode since the first version was released (2003).

I recently saw a commercial (online) for the new “Call of Duty: Black Ops” game and, as an advertising executive, I have to admit that I’m very impressed. The stereotypical video game commercial displaying snapshots of gameplay, which has become old however new the game may be, has been replaced with real, regular old folks. A slogan has been adopted that follows suit: “There Is a Soldier in All of Us.” In essence, you can be an air conditioning repairman, a librarian or an actor — there’s a soldier in everyone. Smart marketing… very smart. ::high five:: to TBWA/Chiat/Day.

According to AdAge.com, “Each of the actors in the spot is also a gamer in real life, including the celebrities. “Kobe Bryant is a huge ‘Call of Duty’ gamer, and Jimmy Kimmel has been introduced to the franchise by his son, I believe, who is also a ‘Call of Duty’ enthusiast,” said Brad Jakeman, exec VP-chief marketing officer and chief creative officer of Activision Publishing. In the spot, Mr. Bryant smiles while shooting a round, while Mr. Kimmel struggles to shoot a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, meant to convey his newness to the hobby.”

Check out the new Call of Duty: Black Ops commercial titled “There Is a Soldier in All of Us” below. I’ve also included a few other trailers for the game.

Aaron Schoenberger is Founder of The Brainchild Group — a digital advertising agency that specializes in innovative Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media marketing strategies. He’s known for his work with celebrity clients, top restaurants, professional athletes and Fortune 500 companies.